POLITICS

Zuma statue erected while Groot Marico runs dry – FF Plus

Party says heritage site comes complete with a borehole while the residents have been struggling with serious water problems for months

Zuma statue erected (with borehole) at Groot Marico while town runs dry

4 October 2017

The statue, with its accompanying borehole, that was erected for President Jacob Zuma at Groot Marico is a slap in the face of local residents that have been struggling with serious water problems for months now, says Michal Groenewald, FF Plus leader in the North West. He adds that the residents sometimes have no water supply for up to three consecutive days.

According to Groenewald, the statue was erected in commemoration of the place where Zuma was arrested in 1963 for his role in the campaign of terror that was waged against South Africa and its people.

He says that the borehole, from which the local community can supposedly get water, is possibly also nothing more than a smokescreen for a massive tender that was probably awarded to a cadre or two.

“In March this year, the FF Plus welcomed the decision of the North West provincial government to withdraw the call for tenders for the erection of the Zuma monument and was surprised at the fact that the project was later slyly included in the provincial Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s Greater Heritage Route.

“The borehole that accompanies the statue is preposterous and it certainly does not address the local community’s water problems in a sustainable manner.

“The provincial government also invited all the councillors of every municipality in the province to attend the unveiling of the monument. Transport will be provided for all. It is an unashamed squandering of tax payers’ money that could have been put to better use, like improving Groot Marico’s water pump system.

“The FF Plus will do everything in its power to lay bare how the tenders were awarded so as to bring any irregularities to light and ensure that the guilty parties will account for their jobbery. We are also still fighting to find a proper solution for the water crisis in Groot Marico,” says Groenewald.

Issued by Michael Groenewald, FF Plus provincial leader: North West, 4 October 2017